History Homeschool

Book Recommendation - Robert Opie Scrapbooks

Sometimes history can feel a little bit of an uphill battle when you are homeschooling. But these Robert Opie Scrabooks really gave us a feel for different era's in history in a fun and effortless way.

Homeschool History

The scrapbooks really are a delight to look at.

The Robert Opie collection is the worlds largest collection relating to British nostalgia and advertising memorabilia. Each of the scrapbook covers a different era, and there are usually separate pages devoted to fashion, groceries, household products, childrens toys and books. Each large scrapbook-type page is filled with photographs of packaging, advertising pictures or other images relevant to the era.

As well as the pictures, each page has some historical information about the times and the products used. For example, in the Victorian scrapbook, on the childrens books page, the explanation begins:

“With the arrival of cheaper methods of colour printing during the 1860’s and after, a profusion of decorative illustrated books for fortunate children were now available; prior to this many books had been hand coloured."

We have found the books have greatly added to our studies when dealing with a historical period. They seem to really give a feel for the times.

We have also enjoyed comparing the books - oxo cubes make a regular appearance! This has led to several discussions about packaging and brand awareness - and how the marketing of products had changed over time.

The children even began to scrapbook their own labels for a while (my daughter is convinced she is going to be able to sell her scrapbook for a fortune when she is older!!).

Homeschool Books

If you haven’t come across the scrapbooks, then do check one out of the library and take a look. They are books that you will look at again and again.

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